Avian Influenza

The Wildlife Trusts are concerned that the current threat of a UK outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) could result in the knee-jerk reaction of culling wild migratory birds. Culling wild birds will not provide a comprehensive control against the disease and could result in dispersing infected birds more widely, as well as diverting resources away from important disease control mechanisms.

The Wildlife Trusts believe that our response to the threat of avian influenza should be greater biosecurity including surveillance in at-risk areas, such as poultry farms, and strict disease control measures to deal with any outbreak.

The Wildlife Trusts and its extensive volunteer network will be making every effort to follow Defra's health and safety advice (www.defra.gov.uk) in all our work with wild birds, and will be assisting with surveillance operations by monitoring bird populations for signs of infection.

If you find a dead bird
The following advice is from Defra, for any members of the public who may come across a dead bird.

If you find a dead swan, goose or duck or three or more dead wild, or garden birds together in the same place, please report this to Defra, via the Defra Helpline on 08459 33 55 77. The current Defra helpline opening hours are Monday to Friday 6.00am to 10.00pm and Saturday and Sunday 6.00am to 10.00pm.
They may wish to have the birds examined for signs of specific diseases. They will advise you on what action you should take.
If the dead bird is a single, small garden, or wild bird then you do not need to call Defra.

For more information, visit the Defra website